Hello Eduardo. Thank you very much for this great comparison. You can actually do double exposure with the Rolleiflex. There is a ring around the crank which you have to pull into the direction of the arrow while cranking the shutter.
EduardoPavezGoye Heeello Eduardo. Also thank you, very much enjoying your videos! To add to Matthias' comment: there is also a way to tell the parallax with the rolleiflex! In the viewfinder there is a black "ribbon" or belt which moves in and out of frame at the top and bottom as you adjust the focus allowing you to tell what is actually in frame and what isnt due to parallax difference. :)
@@C.Abbenfield I came to the comments to say this. Apart from lens swaps (you can always buy a Rolleiflex tele and a Wide, wink wink) the Germans really implemented every possible feature in these cameras. its just that the solution was often so elegant and subtle (a needle in frame to show parallax? pfft) that you fail to notice them like in your case :) happy shooting
@@C.Abbenfield Good point, but everyone using a Rollei MUST know this. Why comparing cameras of which one doesn't know such essentials as parallax compensation?!
The real pronunciation is "Mommy, ya got a ticket?" No syllable is louder or stressed, but if you can't avoid it, stress on the first syllable sounds a lot closer than pretending it's Italian. --30 year Japanese speaker
The Mamiya has better contrast and definitely better depth of field than the Rollei. In addition, you can change lenses with the Mamiya as well. Except for the weight, the Mamiya has a much better price/performance ratio.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do this. I have a C330, and while the size of the Rollei is appealing, it’s not enough to justify the price difference to me.
Thanks Eduardo. My 330 has become my favourite camera. It’s great to see the comparison and the detail you went into. Really appreciate your work. Thanks again
Good comparison! Been shooting the C330 for nearly 2 years now and love it! I have often considered the Rollei but was put off by the price. Recently I found a Yashica D with the newer Yashinon lens and it’s marvellous! Similar size to the Rollei but lighter. The lens only opens to 3.5 but I don’t find that to be an issue with MF cameras. Also the VF on the Yashica seems plenty enough.
When I started working for a wedding studio, I was issued a Yashica TLR camera. When I started shooting weddings, portraits, and product shots on my own, I purchased a Mamiya TLR because I needed interchangeable lenses. I usually used 55mm wide-angle, 80mm normal, and 180mm telephoto lenses.
If you like the Rolleiflex form factor, but at Mamiya prices, you should check the Yashica Mat124 and Mat124G. They're f3.5 only, but they are fantastic for the price.
It has a very quiet leaf shutter. I have the 124 which is the same as the 124g except it has a beautiful chrome trim and doesn't have gold contacts for the meter (not at all significant imo).
Used a C330 since 1971 . . . there is nothing quite like it. Moved up to 6x7, but the C330 was more like a part of me. Now, shoot mostly 4:3 or with a Pentax 645z.
I have a Mamiya C330 with the 105 mm lens. Takes great pictures, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive. Great camera and you have a great presentation.
I have a Mamiya C220, and also a Yashica 'A' which are great cameras to own. I've not used the Mamiya yet having inherited it from my Uncle, the 'A' has been in the family for years and I recall taking photos with it when younger. I'll have to get some film and get back into it a tear myself away from my digital Cannons and Panasonic. Love the films and you advocacy of film photography,
I can't count the number of weddings and portraits I did 'back in the day' with trusty C330f. But, for mobility, a Yashica MAT is a good choice. The Yashinon lens is superb and it's light and fairly compact. Wonderful to see all these old beauties having a renaissance!!
Hey Eduardo, thanks for this video! Watched it several times. I used to shoot with a Mamiya C3 and found it cumbersome for street/field work except for product photography on location. For a while, I had a Rolleicord in my possession (not a Rolleiflex, but closer than a Mamiya) and found it easier for casual work. The Mamiya was great on a tripod in the studio for portraits; on the other hand, Avedon used a Rolleiflex for some of his portraiture. Eventually, I gave up on TLRs and used a Hasselblad 500C/M which became the workhorse of my studio along with my Calumet 4x5. I still miss the Mamiya C3 though. A great camera. Oh, and btw, the Seiko shutter on the Mamiya never stuck or slowed down like the Rollei shutters. Thanks again for the video!
I used to shoot weddings in the 70's with a C330 & loved it. Another difference between the cameras is the rack & pinion focusing found on the C330. This is why you can focus on shorter distances. Another, difference is most of the Rollie's have Zeiss lenses.
I own and love both cameras. I love them both for the exact same difference reasons you pointed out. The hardest part of a days shoot is deciding which one to take. Invariably i end up taking both! One with BnW loaded and the other with C41 loaded (it's a great excuse to justify taking both ;-) )
Thank you, I have a C220, which is a less expensive version of the C330 (simpler advance mechanism, parallax correction, etc), but has all the main features since it uses the same lenses. I think both cameras pictures are evenly matched except when it comes to close focus pictures where the Mamiya shows a much better image quality.
Great video. I had a Mamiya c330, it si a great camera, for me the best feature is the possibility of changing lenses, the down side is the weight and massive size. I sold it a few month ago, I now use a Hasselblad for my 6x6 pictures. I would like to have a Rolleiflex though, more for the history and legend than anything else... I have a Hasselblad 503cw, a Leica M4-P.... I think a Rolleiflex name is needed LOL. Saludos a tu gato/a Hamburguesa que solo parece entender español :-)
I wasn't sure that I wanted to get this Mamiya c330 that was at the shop or wait for a flex f2.8 to fall from the sky, and man this video sold me. Just put my first roll in my first medium format and c330 thanks for this fantastic review.
Llevo 6 meses aprox sacando fotografías y mañana 15 de Diciembre comprare la Mamiya C330, la fotografía me ha hecho felíz y al ver este vídeo he sentido una felicidad cómo cuando eri pendejo y estas emocionado por los regalos de navidad, gracias por eso Ed!
@@leslumieres1237 I doubt that you can see differences on RUclips, but the photos that Eduardo showed do not demonstrate your sayings that the photos taken with the Rolleiflex were sharper than those of the Mamiya, I do not have one or the other but the photos of the Mamiya I have liked a little more.
Thank you for this video. Ordered your zines, great images, Picked up a Rolliecord and now for closeups a C220 802.8. Excellent cameras. Come to Florida again and Ill buy you some coffee.
Rolleiflex cameras have paralax correction. Their is a moving mask under the focusing glass that corrects for paralax when you focus. You never have to worry about paralax with a Rollei. It's far better than the little bar in the Mamiya. Even the close up filters are paralax corrected as the top one has a prism inside. I love TLRs but the Mamiya is just too big and bulky. You might as well get an SLR if you want interchangeable lenses. I recomend Yashica, Minolta or Rollei TLRs for a much nicer experience. I also have a French SemFlex which is great and relatively inexpensive but also rare and obscure.
Brian A. I was about to say the same. Rolleiflex just correct the whole image. Simple, elegant. I love my Rolleiflex for that, but I also love my RZ for different use ;)
Great video. I just recently acquired my Mamiya C2 which is a bit smaller and lighter and I am very happy with the 80mm F 2.8. Based on some info on line the lens formula on both cameras seem to be the same Planar 6 elements in 5 groups so it is no wonder the pictures look very similar too.
Thank you, nice review. I've started with the C330 F and now have the S version and will stick with it. For me weight isn't a big issue (I also work with 4x5), what is important is the contrast, sharpness and acutance of the optics. I see little difference in the quality of the images thus, there is no reason to over spend for an over-priced tool!
Watching this cause I'm in the process of selling my Rolleis and I wanna fill the void with another medium format camera. C330's on my list for sure now.
Thanks for the video its been an eye opener I prefer the look of the Mamiya when you compared the photos. I'll put my Rolleiflex 2.8F away for now and get the Mamiya C330.Cheers
I just bought a C330f to replace the one I sold about 20 years ago. It's now my only camera (apart from the one on my phone). I'm biased, but the Mamiya stomps all over a Rolleiflex as far as I'm concerned. Interchangeable lenses, interchangeable viewfinders, close focus. It's near perfection!
I have the 2.8e with the Xenotar lens and love it. Yes, the focussing screen is a little dim and the magnifier doesn't cover the screen, but it still a beautiful camera that produces beautiful images! :)
Interesting comparison. I have a Rolleicord Vb and a Mamiya c220, (both of which are comparatively smaller) I actually find my Rollei easier to focus, and it's significantly lighter. Both can do multiple exposures. In my opinion, the only reason to own a Mamiya is for the minimum close focus distance and ability to swap out lenses. If I could only keep one, the Rollei, without question.
The lens interchangeability option with the Mamiya is a HUGE consideration.... I wouldn't give a second's thought to any camera TLR or SLR that didn't have this crucially important professional feature!
I changed the focusing screen on both my 2.8F and 3.5 MX EVS,the 2.8 has a removable hood, the 2.8E is similar to my MX EVS, you remove 4 screws, remove the waist level finder and replace the screen. Got mine fairly cheap from Rick Oleson, they were magnitudes brighter than the original screens. Double exposure can be done by sliding a little slider on the crank and crank the opposite direction to load the shutter again. Get an Automat or a 3.5, they are around 1kg and doesn't cost as much as the 2.8 versions. (all rolleflexes, as far as i know, has a 2.8 lens for focusing, the difference is the taking lens). I have 2 flex'es, the Memiya isn't interesting for me, but to each their own ^^
Thank you for the great video. It let me know that I made a great decision when I bought my Mamiya C330. Of course I will still lust after the Rolleiflex 2.8.
Adam Analogue I have both, and can say the Mamiya is more of a bargain and a more solid built camera in my opinion. I paid around 250.00 for my Rolleiflex a while back and today it’s hard to find a good one for less than 500 bucks.
Nice comparison, I was lucky enough to pick up a mamiya c330 s recently from a charity shop for less than £5.00, I dont usually shoot film but think i may have a play. will certainly be a learning curve after using a sony a7ii.
Desde hacer unos meses llevo buscando información sobre cámaras TLR tús videos siempre son de ayuda, encontré una cámara Walzflex con un montón de accesorios, se que no es top notch pero es un buen inicio, gracias!
Mamiya C330 merveilleux appareil, si ce n'était mon âge avancé et le frêle dos qui va avec j'en reprendrais bien... un quatrième ! De plus c'est un très bel objet, attachant et silencieux à souhait. Muchas gracias Eduardo
Nicely done Ed. I’ve wanted a TLR since I got into photography in the early 70’s. I always figured that the Yashica Mat 124-G was all I’d be able to afford. Fast forward to 2023. I’m nearing retirement. Now I’m researching TLRs and I find that Yashicas, Rolleis, and Mamiyas are all the same prices. After watching your comparison video, I’m leaning towards the C330.
I have the Yashicamat 124 (exactly the same as the "G" version except the G has gold contacts or something) and honestly I sort of concluded that the miyama is probably the better camera even before seeing this video. After seeing the video, im even more convinced. That being said, the yashica is gd beautiful and a delight to use/handle (well, its not perfect to handle, but its pretty dang good). Btw, if you do go for the yashica, I recommend the 124 (as opposed to the 124G) purely because I think its far more aesthetically appealing than the G version. Its got way more chrome and the name plate isnt as messy. It looks like a classic camera (like a rollei). Plus, I heard someone say that the earlier models (the 124 came first) are more precisely machined since the tools were new and they didnt replace the tools, so the later models had weaker tolerances. But you should probably get the Miyama. I might have gotten it if I hadnt fallen in love with the aesthetic of the yashica (or just about any early tlr, or any tlr that looks like a rollei). That being said, dont discount the major "ease of use" factor that he pointed out. The size and design of the rollei/yashica is very nice to use. And even the, the yashica is a bit heavy, just on the edge of being annoying, so I'm sure the miyama gets very annoying to hang on to. Especially when you're carefully composing a really neat shot in a really awkward position bent over and you're sweating. Miyama will make you work to produce the image that you composed in your head, but it will deliver. The rollei/yashica will be easier to use, but more limited in what it can deliver. The $150 lens attachments he mentioned can be substituted with cheaper clones on ebay, btw. Probably not as good, but hey, its a hobby, not a job, right? Not sure why I'm telling you all of this. I'm tired but I feel compelled to write this all out. Conclusion: If you want range and flexibility and capability and speed and focusing accuracy, if you value those over comfort and stamina go for the miyama If you want the experience of physically taking the photos to be a delight instead of a pain, and if you dont mind being somewhat restricted, and you want a good looking camera, go for the Yashica. I really love mine. I sort of think that someday I'll get a miyama when I get good enough that I can no longer tolerate being restricted. I think it would be a nice upgrade, especially for close up stuff. But in the mean time, I'm gonna enjoy my Yashica Mat 124. Btw, when I was looking about a year and a half ago, it seemed like yashicas were cheaper than Miyamas. But maybe thats just the 124. Its usually cheaper than the 124G since fewer people know about it and just assume its an inferior version (when, imo, the opposite is true.) Ok, my essay is finished.
The Mamiya C330 has some more pros and cons. I used one from 1979 to about 1995 with 80mm, 135mm, 180mm lens, waist level finder, the Mirror finder and an adapted M645 grip. I can't remember the wide angle I bought later, perhaps it was the 55mm. Cons: the bellow extends much to far with 135mm and 250mm and the combination gets very bulky. Therefore I used the 135mm and 250mm with close-up lens all the time, even in infinity. I had no problems with sharpness using the close-up lenses even in infinity. Using close-up lenses affects the parallax indicator and one have to make addional own marks with something on the screen or to remember the differences. Pros: C330 has a filter thread. I used the same red, green and yellow filters as I used on my Nikons with step down adapters. Rollei uses a bayonet for close-up lenses and one have to buy this rare things. Rollei produced a Prism Finder. But Mamiya produced more finders: the Mirror Finder, similar to a Prism Finder, a better Prism Finder and a Magnification Finder. Perhaps you find sometime old german photo magazines of the 60s ore 70s and you will find a lot guys proud to have 3 Rolleis: the Rollei with 75 or 80mm, the Tele Rollei and the Wide Angle Rollei. Mamiya made it very easy with interchangeable lenses: 55mm, 65mm, 80mm, one about 105mm, 135mm, 180mm and 250mm. I used the C330 for landscape and street photography and used almost every time my Nikons for light metering. The only issue I get with the C330 was film transportation. I got after some months only 11 instead of 12 images on 120 film and 20 instead of 24 on 220 film. Repair was to expensive and I quit the 220 film that was rare even in this time. To shoot 12 on 120 I winded the film at the at and used the C300's capability to make double exposures. It is real fun to see younger photographers like you using this cams today. I sold my C330 about 1995 to buy a Mamiya M645 and the russian Kiew, a Hasselblad replica but with palin shutter instead the Hasselblad leaf shutter. I can really recommend the cheap russian Kiew. It was never the best cam on the market, but some of the lenses where great and cheap, too. E.g. the 30mm fisheye. The Kiew can use Pentacon Six or Mamiya M645 lenses with rare adaptors /ther was also a rare adaptor to use the fisheye and other Kiew lenses on Mamiya and some other brands). It's weakest points are the film magazines. I had to buy 6 to get 4 lightproof and out of that only 2 were usable with IR film.
Very good video. I have the Rollei 2.8E2 and Rolleicord also Mamiya C330 and C3. I have also owned most of the Yashica tlrs. They are all good machines. I do like the Mamiya a lot for its lens interchangeability. I do own a Mamiya C 3 which someone fitted two matching vintage lenses
To finish my previous comment... two matching focal length lenses from old folders were mounted on a home-made base and fitted the camera well. I have some interesting 'vintage'- style images this way!
Hello there! Thank you for the great video! I have a view TLRs, those two, the different Mamiya lenses and a Meopta... I like them all and use them for different reasons on different occasions: in one I shoot colour film in the other one black and white, one I use for landscapes one for close ups or portraits, one for city walks ... one for the day out at the seaside. What I like with the mamiya lenses is the outcome with Kodak portra films... maybe my personal impression. the fixed lenses I use with 400 fomapan mostly. Whereas the close up with the Mamiya lenses is marvelous... and to collect and to hold them in the hands... all of them are just gems haptically and mechanically and qualitywise ...
I own a Mamiya like yours and love it seen ppl review these 2 cameras together and the Rolliflex seems to win.... I love my Mamiya yes its heavy... but what an amazing machine !!!
Thanks for making this video. I already had a C330 and recently bought a Rollei 2.8. Great job on comparing the pros and cons. *** ALSO Where can I find out more about the jazz music in this video?? it was great.
Wow! The Rolleiflex was on my list of cameras to own one day but I think the Mamiya just knocked it right off the list! Great video as always. Super informative. You should check out Ian Wong and his series Digital Darkroom. His channel and yours are my favourite film photography channels on RUclips and I would love to see you on an episode if you're ever in the same area.
In my personal experience, I never felt like I was missing out on much by using a Rolleiflex 3.5 MX-EVS or a Rolleicord Vb. They cost way less than the Rolleiflex 2.8 models -- I paid under US $500 for each in good condition -- they both weigh under 1kg, and the Rolleicord has swappable screens and viewfinder hoods (there's even a pentaprism finder available). The 2/3 stop difference in light gathering hasn't bothered me in the slightest.
This is a great video, I own both cameras, and, honestly I keep going back to the Mamya more often than the Rollei. I think the difference in quality is negligible. I actually prefer the bokeh in the Mamya. The Rollei is more of a stylistic choice. Thank u for this very useful review.
Sencillamente genial todo el vídeo. Mí admiración por Maier siempre me llevo a querer una Rollei pero hoy aprendi mucho sobre comprar utilidad, no marcas.
I never had a problem with portability with any of my Mamiyas. I carry my C330s in the same sling bag as my 5DMk IV. The Mamiyas are better when working with a tripod. I shot weddings with an RZ67 with the 6x6 back and the C330 as the second camera. My first Mamiya was a C22 that I bought used with a brand 80mm lens from a friend. I still have the lens and a 135mm. I sold the C22 with a 105mm and my magnifier hood.
Mamiya was focus to the hi end profesional photographer, interchangeable lenses, backs, viewfinders, screens... The Rolleyflex was aimed to the light traveler, the street photographer. Both great to their own account... Excelente video
What ka-ka. The Rolleiflex dates in this form from the later 1950s and was almost exclusively the camera of the professional. It's market was those who later shifted to Hasselblads. When TLRs generally fell out of favor around 1960, the (used) Rolleiflexs drifted from the pros to the well monied consumer photographers. The various Mamiya TLRs came along a generation later, Mamiya's first effort to sell cameras to the professional market, in this case, those pros who could not afford the Hasselbalds and Bronicas of that day. They were a pro entry camera based on cost plus the unique flexibility of interchangeable lenses. Frankly, the quality of the Mamiya lenses for the TLRs was at best average, but good enough for most uses. As Mamiya moved into SLR MF models in 645 and 67 formats, the new camera TLR market finally ended.
The images blown up from my Mamiya C3 are just as sharp as the bronica ETRS lens MC that I use. People under estimate the TLR but its a great and often budget way of getting into 6x6 medium format.
I much prefer the mamiyas photos although the size is the compromise I think it’s worth it for the quality. And that viewfinder is just beautiful! Keep it up I love your channel!
I have had that same Rolleiflex model for decades and shot hundreds of rolls of film through it. You are incorrect though about not being able to do double-exposures in the camera. There is a button you hold down while you rotate the film advance lever. That prevents the film from advancing and just cocks the shutter. I have a couple of other TLRs, but not a Mamiya. I've been wanting to get a C330, so I really like your comparison. TY
I think of the Mamiya as a tripod and shutter release cable studio portrait camera. I have a Yashicaflex, which tried to be the poor man's Rollieflex with fairly good results, for the more portable TLR. One look through the viewfinder sold me on the Mamiya.
I should add to my comments that Rolleiflex models also have a parallax correction feature like the Mamiya. To see it work place the camera on a table, hold it steady, focus and watch the two bars top and bottom move...Always keep in mind that although these features correct the framing images seen in a finder images photographed are not the same. The difference is of no importance most of the time but can be noticeable under certain conditions where an unwanted sign in the back can show up in the photo but was hidden by the subject as seen in the finder, With open frame finders allow extra space on top with subjects closer than 10 feet.
at 6:56 you missed the Reflex part of the Rolleiflex; that is, you push the front panel half way and it "flaps" out a mirror, which you can view in a small window (facing the shooting direction), and this works just like you were describing with the C330, viewer with a black surround.
Keep in mind many of the problems you have with focusing the Rolleiflex were solved in later models. Focusing screens are easily changed out on the later E3 and F models. Anyway, I've used both but went with the Rollei. It quicker to use, lighter, and in my experience more reliable. I went through 3 C330 that all had issues either with winding or light leaks. Lenses also seemed more susceptible to fungus. Just my experiences with both.
I can tell the Mamiya is the better option for you. You can tell by the way you compose and focus in the pictures you have posted. I like your review and you highlighted some great points I have not seen in other videos. By the way the Rolleiflex 3.5F is even smaller and better for trave and you only miss one stop. Talking of focusing screen. It is not a big deal to exchange them. It´s actually quite easy. You pay about 100 to 150 Euros for a new fresnel screen. That is affordable if you intend to work with this camera for real. One thing I like about the Rolleiflex is the fact that it is one of the few waist level cameras that have a light meter inside. That is a big plus. I am using a 2.8GX which has a bright screen and as you said if you travel you truly appreciate the cameras weight and dimensions. I love Mamiya, lens quality is great - no doubt. But if I need to use a camera that uses interchangeable lenses I would probably settle for the PRO TL or RZ. Which I use too. Both are available for relatively little money. Anyway, great content and video. Whached it to the end.
they are both great / different options / i had the Rolleiflex 2.8F and sold it / the view finder is hard to use, hard to focus and takes too much work for me too..... Mamiya shines
Hello Eduardo. Thank you very much for this great comparison. You can actually do double exposure with the Rolleiflex. There is a ring around the crank which you have to pull into the direction of the arrow while cranking the shutter.
THANK YOU for this! I had no idea.
EduardoPavezGoye Heeello Eduardo. Also thank you, very much enjoying your videos!
To add to Matthias' comment: there is also a way to tell the parallax with the rolleiflex! In the viewfinder there is a black "ribbon" or belt which moves in and out of frame at the top and bottom as you adjust the focus allowing you to tell what is actually in frame and what isnt due to parallax difference. :)
@@C.Abbenfield I came to the comments to say this. Apart from lens swaps (you can always buy a Rolleiflex tele and a Wide, wink wink) the Germans really implemented every possible feature in these cameras. its just that the solution was often so elegant and subtle (a needle in frame to show parallax? pfft) that you fail to notice them like in your case :) happy shooting
I have Rolleiflex contact i wanna sell
@@C.Abbenfield Good point, but everyone using a Rollei MUST know this. Why comparing cameras of which one doesn't know such essentials as parallax compensation?!
Eduardo, the way you say Mamiya is magical
mama-mamiya
Chileno?
I was just going to say the same thing! I could listen to him say it all-day haha
The real pronunciation is "Mommy, ya got a ticket?" No syllable is louder or stressed, but if you can't avoid it, stress on the first syllable sounds a lot closer than pretending it's Italian. --30 year Japanese speaker
Yes it's magical.
The Mamiya has better contrast and definitely better depth of field than the Rollei. In addition, you can change lenses with the Mamiya as well. Except for the weight, the Mamiya has a much better price/performance ratio.
I've owned my C330S for over a decade but have always wanted a Rolleiflex. Thanks for doing the comparison.
I love my Mamiyas, and you have assuaged my desire to own a Rollei, thank you so much. It's like a weight has been lifted.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do this. I have a C330, and while the size of the Rollei is appealing, it’s not enough to justify the price difference to me.
Thanks Eduardo. My 330 has become my favourite camera. It’s great to see the comparison and the detail you went into. Really appreciate your work. Thanks again
Good comparison! Been shooting the C330 for nearly 2 years now and love it! I have often considered the Rollei but was put off by the price. Recently I found a Yashica D with the newer Yashinon lens and it’s marvellous! Similar size to the Rollei but lighter. The lens only opens to 3.5 but I don’t find that to be an issue with MF cameras. Also the VF on the Yashica seems plenty enough.
When I started working for a wedding studio, I was issued a Yashica TLR camera. When I started shooting weddings, portraits, and product shots on my own, I purchased a Mamiya TLR because I needed interchangeable lenses. I usually used 55mm wide-angle, 80mm normal, and 180mm telephoto lenses.
Great comparison. I love my mamiya and use it with the 55mm, such a good combo.
If you like the Rolleiflex form factor, but at Mamiya prices, you should check the Yashica Mat124 and Mat124G. They're f3.5 only, but they are fantastic for the price.
I use the yashicamat 124 and adore it. It's got all the ergonomics and clever design of the rollei but with a built-in, very accurate light meter.
is 124G a leaf shutter as well? cause im looking into the rollei 3.5f or the 124G atm
It has a very quiet leaf shutter. I have the 124 which is the same as the 124g except it has a beautiful chrome trim and doesn't have gold contacts for the meter (not at all significant imo).
Holy shit are you heroesforsale?
haha yeah - i'm into film stuff too & really like this channel
Used a C330 since 1971 . . . there is nothing quite like it. Moved up to 6x7, but the C330 was more like a part of me. Now, shoot mostly 4:3 or with a Pentax 645z.
i was suprised how good the images of the Mamiya looked .
Nice but I'll stick with my Yaschica Mat-124G. 📸😜📸
Love my C220 and I’m always impressed by the images. And like you said, it’s a tank and I’m not afraid to lug it around.
There is a photo on the back that is up side down. Hehe
I have a Mamiya C330 with the 105 mm lens. Takes great pictures, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive. Great camera and you have a great presentation.
I have a Mamiya C220, and also a Yashica 'A' which are great cameras to own. I've not used the Mamiya yet having inherited it from my Uncle, the 'A' has been in the family for years and I recall taking photos with it when younger. I'll have to get some film and get back into it a tear myself away from my digital Cannons and Panasonic. Love the films and you advocacy of film photography,
I can't count the number of weddings and portraits I did 'back in the day' with trusty C330f. But, for mobility, a Yashica MAT is a good choice. The Yashinon lens is superb and it's light and fairly compact. Wonderful to see all these old beauties having a renaissance!!
I have always wanted one of those Mamiyas. Nice comparison.
I just obtained a C3330 in great condition. Thank you for a great video
RS. Canada
Hey Eduardo, thanks for this video! Watched it several times. I used to shoot with a Mamiya C3 and found it cumbersome for street/field work except for product photography on location. For a while, I had a Rolleicord in my possession (not a Rolleiflex, but closer than a Mamiya) and found it easier for casual work. The Mamiya was great on a tripod in the studio for portraits; on the other hand, Avedon used a Rolleiflex for some of his portraiture. Eventually, I gave up on TLRs and used a Hasselblad 500C/M which became the workhorse of my studio along with my Calumet 4x5. I still miss the Mamiya C3 though. A great camera. Oh, and btw, the Seiko shutter on the Mamiya never stuck or slowed down like the Rollei shutters. Thanks again for the video!
Great comparison. I opted for the Mamiya because of the interchangeable lens selection. Both are excellent TLR's though.
I used to shoot weddings in the 70's with a C330 & loved it. Another difference between the cameras is the rack & pinion focusing found on the C330. This is why you can focus on shorter distances. Another, difference is most of the Rollie's have Zeiss lenses.
Thank you, Eduardo. I was looking for this comparison to help me decide on the right TLR.
I own and love both cameras. I love them both for the exact same difference reasons you pointed out. The hardest part of a days shoot is deciding which one to take. Invariably i end up taking both! One with BnW loaded and the other with C41 loaded (it's a great excuse to justify taking both ;-) )
You need to buy another one and load it with slide film :D
@@EstebanFonsecaAR 😀 Please don't tempt me!! 😀
Rollei allows multiple exposures if you turn crank in reverse
Thank you, I have a C220, which is a less expensive version of the C330 (simpler advance mechanism, parallax correction, etc), but has all the main features since it uses the same lenses. I think both cameras pictures are evenly matched except when it comes to close focus pictures where the Mamiya shows a much better image quality.
EXCELLENT. Great comparison, illustration of details and discussion... and great to see comparison images. Thank you.
I love my Mamiya C330. Congrats for your videos, they are awesome!
I love the way you say "Mamiya" with latin flair.
I really love my Mamiya C330 Professional F. I also have some smaller TLRs but I prefer the Mamiya despite the size an weight.
Great video. I had a Mamiya c330, it si a great camera, for me the best feature is the possibility of changing lenses, the down side is the weight and massive size. I sold it a few month ago, I now use a Hasselblad for my 6x6 pictures. I would like to have a Rolleiflex though, more for the history and legend than anything else... I have a Hasselblad 503cw, a Leica M4-P.... I think a Rolleiflex name is needed LOL. Saludos a tu gato/a Hamburguesa que solo parece entender español :-)
I wasn't sure that I wanted to get this Mamiya c330 that was at the shop or wait for a flex f2.8 to fall from the sky, and man this video sold me. Just put my first roll in my first medium format and c330 thanks for this fantastic review.
Great video, thank you for sharing your experience. The Mamiya c330f is my favourite camera, it is so much fun to shoot.
Llevo 6 meses aprox sacando fotografías y mañana 15 de Diciembre comprare la Mamiya C330, la fotografía me ha hecho felíz y al ver este vídeo he sentido una felicidad cómo cuando eri pendejo y estas emocionado por los regalos de navidad, gracias por eso Ed!
Thank you for reminding me that my C330 is all that I need.
Except for making razor sharp images.
@@leslumieres1237 I doubt that you can see differences on RUclips, but the photos that Eduardo showed do not demonstrate your sayings that the photos taken with the Rolleiflex were sharper than those of the Mamiya, I do not have one or the other but the photos of the Mamiya I have liked a little more.
I love my C330 S, it’s such a great camera! Love your videos man!
Thank you for this video. Ordered your zines, great images, Picked up a Rolliecord and now for closeups a C220 802.8. Excellent cameras. Come to Florida again and Ill buy you some coffee.
Excellent comparison! Thank you!
I’ve owned and used both. I’d pick the Rolleiflex every single time.
Rolleiflex cameras have paralax correction. Their is a moving mask under the focusing glass that corrects for paralax when you focus. You never have to worry about paralax with a Rollei. It's far better than the little bar in the Mamiya. Even the close up filters are paralax corrected as the top one has a prism inside. I love TLRs but the Mamiya is just too big and bulky. You might as well get an SLR if you want interchangeable lenses. I recomend Yashica, Minolta or Rollei TLRs for a much nicer experience. I also have a French SemFlex which is great and relatively inexpensive but also rare and obscure.
Brian A. I was about to say the same. Rolleiflex just correct the whole image. Simple, elegant. I love my Rolleiflex for that, but I also love my RZ for different use ;)
I wouldn't touch any TLR that didn't have interchangeable lenses plus Mamiya has bellows close up focusing!
I've shot with my Rolleiflex for years but never noticed this! Sure enough the top and bottom of the ground glass moves when focusing!
Great video. I just recently acquired my Mamiya C2 which is a bit smaller and lighter and I am very happy with the 80mm F 2.8. Based on some info on line the lens formula on both cameras seem to be the same Planar 6 elements in 5 groups so it is no wonder the pictures look very similar too.
Your vids are very interesting and informative. Thank you for doing them
Thank you, nice review. I've started with the C330 F and now have the S version and will stick with it. For me weight isn't a big issue (I also work with 4x5), what is important is the contrast, sharpness and acutance of the optics. I see little difference in the quality of the images thus, there is no reason to over spend for an over-priced tool!
Watching this cause I'm in the process of selling my Rolleis and I wanna fill the void with another medium format camera. C330's on my list for sure now.
Thanks for the video its been an eye opener I prefer the look of the Mamiya when you compared the photos. I'll put my Rolleiflex 2.8F away for now and get the Mamiya C330.Cheers
I just bought a C330f to replace the one I sold about 20 years ago. It's now my only camera (apart from the one on my phone). I'm biased, but the Mamiya stomps all over a Rolleiflex as far as I'm concerned. Interchangeable lenses, interchangeable viewfinders, close focus. It's near perfection!
I have the 2.8e with the Xenotar lens and love it. Yes, the focussing screen is a little dim and the magnifier doesn't cover the screen, but it still a beautiful camera that produces beautiful images! :)
Rolleiflex 2.8e a little bit much more contrast than Mamiya C330
but i love C330 ..
Thanks a lots for your video , good job.
take care.
Excellent camera comparison. Informative and well presented, but the lovely Fran stole the show. Great video. 👍
Interesting comparison. I have a Rolleicord Vb and a Mamiya c220, (both of which are comparatively smaller) I actually find my Rollei easier to focus, and it's significantly lighter. Both can do multiple exposures. In my opinion, the only reason to own a Mamiya is for the minimum close focus distance and ability to swap out lenses. If I could only keep one, the Rollei, without question.
The lens interchangeability option with the Mamiya is a HUGE consideration.... I wouldn't give a second's thought to any camera TLR or SLR that didn't have this crucially important professional feature!
I changed the focusing screen on both my 2.8F and 3.5 MX EVS,the 2.8 has a removable hood, the 2.8E is similar to my MX EVS, you remove 4 screws, remove the waist level finder and replace the screen.
Got mine fairly cheap from Rick Oleson, they were magnitudes brighter than the original screens.
Double exposure can be done by sliding a little slider on the crank and crank the opposite direction to load the shutter again.
Get an Automat or a 3.5, they are around 1kg and doesn't cost as much as the 2.8 versions. (all rolleflexes, as far as i know, has a 2.8 lens for focusing, the difference is the taking lens).
I have 2 flex'es, the Memiya isn't interesting for me, but to each their own ^^
Thank you for the great video. It let me know that I made a great decision when I bought my Mamiya C330. Of course I will still lust after the Rolleiflex 2.8.
I love my C330. There's no way I could justify the cost of a Rolleiflex. Thanks for the comparison though.
Adam Analogue I have both, and can say the Mamiya is more of a bargain and a more solid built camera in my opinion. I paid around 250.00 for my Rolleiflex a while back and today it’s hard to find a good one for less than 500 bucks.
I have the Mamiya 330 Professional f. It has both the waist level finder and a penta-prism head which can be switched out for eye level finding.
Nice comparison, I was lucky enough to pick up a mamiya c330 s recently from a charity shop for less than £5.00, I dont usually shoot film but think i may have a play. will certainly be a learning curve after using a sony a7ii.
Nice review! Your work is appreciated!
Nice video, i have both cameras, Mamiya is the best, but Rollei is my love.
Desde hacer unos meses llevo buscando información sobre cámaras TLR tús videos siempre son de ayuda, encontré una cámara Walzflex con un montón de accesorios, se que no es top notch pero es un buen inicio, gracias!
Mamiya C330 merveilleux appareil, si ce n'était mon âge avancé et le frêle dos qui va avec j'en reprendrais bien... un quatrième !
De plus c'est un très bel objet, attachant et silencieux à souhait.
Muchas gracias Eduardo
Nicely done Ed. I’ve wanted a TLR since I got into photography in the early 70’s. I always figured that the Yashica Mat 124-G was all I’d be able to afford. Fast forward to 2023. I’m nearing retirement. Now I’m researching TLRs and I find that Yashicas, Rolleis, and Mamiyas are all the same prices. After watching your comparison video, I’m leaning towards the C330.
I have the Yashicamat 124 (exactly the same as the "G" version except the G has gold contacts or something) and honestly I sort of concluded that the miyama is probably the better camera even before seeing this video. After seeing the video, im even more convinced. That being said, the yashica is gd beautiful and a delight to use/handle (well, its not perfect to handle, but its pretty dang good). Btw, if you do go for the yashica, I recommend the 124 (as opposed to the 124G) purely because I think its far more aesthetically appealing than the G version. Its got way more chrome and the name plate isnt as messy. It looks like a classic camera (like a rollei). Plus, I heard someone say that the earlier models (the 124 came first) are more precisely machined since the tools were new and they didnt replace the tools, so the later models had weaker tolerances.
But you should probably get the Miyama. I might have gotten it if I hadnt fallen in love with the aesthetic of the yashica (or just about any early tlr, or any tlr that looks like a rollei). That being said, dont discount the major "ease of use" factor that he pointed out. The size and design of the rollei/yashica is very nice to use. And even the, the yashica is a bit heavy, just on the edge of being annoying, so I'm sure the miyama gets very annoying to hang on to. Especially when you're carefully composing a really neat shot in a really awkward position bent over and you're sweating.
Miyama will make you work to produce the image that you composed in your head, but it will deliver. The rollei/yashica will be easier to use, but more limited in what it can deliver. The $150 lens attachments he mentioned can be substituted with cheaper clones on ebay, btw. Probably not as good, but hey, its a hobby, not a job, right? Not sure why I'm telling you all of this. I'm tired but I feel compelled to write this all out.
Conclusion: If you want range and flexibility and capability and speed and focusing accuracy, if you value those over comfort and stamina go for the miyama
If you want the experience of physically taking the photos to be a delight instead of a pain, and if you dont mind being somewhat restricted, and you want a good looking camera, go for the Yashica. I really love mine. I sort of think that someday I'll get a miyama when I get good enough that I can no longer tolerate being restricted. I think it would be a nice upgrade, especially for close up stuff. But in the mean time, I'm gonna enjoy my Yashica Mat 124. Btw, when I was looking about a year and a half ago, it seemed like yashicas were cheaper than Miyamas. But maybe thats just the 124. Its usually cheaper than the 124G since fewer people know about it and just assume its an inferior version (when, imo, the opposite is true.)
Ok, my essay is finished.
The Mamiya C330 has some more pros and cons. I used one from 1979 to about 1995 with 80mm, 135mm, 180mm lens, waist level finder, the Mirror finder and an adapted M645 grip. I can't remember the wide angle I bought later, perhaps it was the 55mm.
Cons: the bellow extends much to far with 135mm and 250mm and the combination gets very bulky. Therefore I used the 135mm and 250mm with close-up lens all the time, even in infinity. I had no problems with sharpness using the close-up lenses even in infinity. Using close-up lenses affects the parallax indicator and one have to make addional own marks with something on the screen or to remember the differences.
Pros: C330 has a filter thread. I used the same red, green and yellow filters as I used on my Nikons with step down adapters. Rollei uses a bayonet for close-up lenses and one have to buy this rare things. Rollei produced a Prism Finder. But Mamiya produced more finders: the Mirror Finder, similar to a Prism Finder, a better Prism Finder and a Magnification Finder.
Perhaps you find sometime old german photo magazines of the 60s ore 70s and you will find a lot guys proud to have 3 Rolleis: the Rollei with 75 or 80mm, the Tele Rollei and the Wide Angle Rollei. Mamiya made it very easy with interchangeable lenses: 55mm, 65mm, 80mm, one about 105mm, 135mm, 180mm and 250mm.
I used the C330 for landscape and street photography and used almost every time my Nikons for light metering. The only issue I get with the C330 was film transportation. I got after some months only 11 instead of 12 images on 120 film and 20 instead of 24 on 220 film. Repair was to expensive and I quit the 220 film that was rare even in this time. To shoot 12 on 120 I winded the film at the at and used the C300's capability to make double exposures.
It is real fun to see younger photographers like you using this cams today. I sold my C330 about 1995 to buy a Mamiya M645 and the russian Kiew, a Hasselblad replica but with palin shutter instead the Hasselblad leaf shutter.
I can really recommend the cheap russian Kiew. It was never the best cam on the market, but some of the lenses where great and cheap, too. E.g. the 30mm fisheye. The Kiew can use Pentacon Six or Mamiya M645 lenses with rare adaptors /ther was also a rare adaptor to use the fisheye and other Kiew lenses on Mamiya and some other brands). It's weakest points are the film magazines. I had to buy 6 to get 4 lightproof and out of that only 2 were usable with IR film.
Vivian Maier used the Rolleiflex camera. 😊
MichaelT • so what? Diane Arbus used a Mamiya tlr... if there is a message , a vision there's no need for a stupidly expensive german camera.
Diane arbus used the c339
@@lostinspacestudio a C 330
@@pauldazar3348 yes obviously a typo as there is no 339
@@pauldazar3348 but first she used a Rolleiflex
Lovely video. Thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks a lot. i have subscribed.
Awesome video man! Thing is the 2.8f Planar would have been closer to the c330f. Thanks for sharing this. Your videos are always awesome!
Very good video. I have the Rollei 2.8E2 and Rolleicord also Mamiya C330 and C3. I have also owned most of the Yashica tlrs. They are all good machines. I do like the Mamiya a lot for its lens interchangeability. I do own a Mamiya C 3 which someone fitted two matching vintage lenses
To finish my previous comment... two matching focal length lenses from old folders were mounted on a home-made base and fitted the camera well. I have some interesting 'vintage'- style images this way!
Thanks a lot. I learned a lot about the Mamiya (I’m familiar w/ the ‘Flex.). Good work! And good luck to you.
Hello there! Thank you for the great video! I have a view TLRs, those two, the different Mamiya lenses and a Meopta... I like them all and use them for different reasons on different occasions: in one I shoot colour film in the other one black and white, one I use for landscapes one for close ups or portraits, one for city walks ... one for the day out at the seaside. What I like with the mamiya lenses is the outcome with Kodak portra films... maybe my personal impression. the fixed lenses I use with 400 fomapan mostly. Whereas the close up with the Mamiya lenses is marvelous... and to collect and to hold them in the hands... all of them are just gems haptically and mechanically and qualitywise ...
I love my Pentax spotmatic / industar 50-2 😊
I own a Mamiya like yours and love it seen ppl review these 2 cameras together and the Rolliflex seems to win....
I love my Mamiya yes its heavy... but what an amazing machine !!!
Thanks for making this video. I already had a C330 and recently bought a Rollei 2.8. Great job on comparing the pros and cons. *** ALSO Where can I find out more about the jazz music in this video?? it was great.
So happy I stumbled upon your channel. This video helped make up my mind!
Wow! The Rolleiflex was on my list of cameras to own one day but I think the Mamiya just knocked it right off the list!
Great video as always. Super informative.
You should check out Ian Wong and his series Digital Darkroom. His channel and yours are my favourite film photography channels on RUclips and I would love to see you on an episode if you're ever in the same area.
Because of the bellows, the Mamiya also has an exposure compensation scale on the left side of the viewfinder.
In my personal experience, I never felt like I was missing out on much by using a Rolleiflex 3.5 MX-EVS or a Rolleicord Vb. They cost way less than the Rolleiflex 2.8 models -- I paid under US $500 for each in good condition -- they both weigh under 1kg, and the Rolleicord has swappable screens and viewfinder hoods (there's even a pentaprism finder available). The 2/3 stop difference in light gathering hasn't bothered me in the slightest.
This is a great video, I own both cameras, and, honestly I keep going back to the Mamya more often than the Rollei. I think the difference in quality is negligible. I actually prefer the bokeh in the Mamya. The Rollei is more of a stylistic choice. Thank u for this very useful review.
The closest focusing distance is better when using a fixed object. Grass and trees will move a little bit
Hello Eduardo, great job! Thank you for sharing.
Sencillamente genial todo el vídeo. Mí admiración por Maier siempre me llevo a querer una Rollei pero hoy aprendi mucho sobre comprar utilidad, no marcas.
I never had a problem with portability with any of my Mamiyas. I carry my C330s in the same sling bag as my 5DMk IV.
The Mamiyas are better when working with a tripod.
I shot weddings with an RZ67 with the 6x6 back and the C330 as the second camera.
My first Mamiya was a C22 that I bought used with a brand 80mm lens from a friend. I still have the lens and a 135mm. I sold the C22 with a 105mm and my magnifier hood.
Mamiya was focus to the hi end profesional photographer, interchangeable lenses, backs, viewfinders, screens...
The Rolleyflex was aimed to the light traveler, the street photographer.
Both great to their own account... Excelente video
What ka-ka. The Rolleiflex dates in this form from the later 1950s and was almost exclusively the camera of the professional. It's market was those who later shifted to Hasselblads. When TLRs generally fell out of favor around 1960, the (used) Rolleiflexs drifted from the pros to the well monied consumer photographers. The various Mamiya TLRs came along a generation later, Mamiya's first effort to sell cameras to the professional market, in this case, those pros who could not afford the Hasselbalds and Bronicas of that day. They were a pro entry camera based on cost plus the unique flexibility of interchangeable lenses. Frankly, the quality of the Mamiya lenses for the TLRs was at best average, but good enough for most uses. As Mamiya moved into SLR MF models in 645 and 67 formats, the new camera TLR market finally ended.
you can get rolleicord V which is around 250-300 usd same experience and quality as the rolleiflex
The images blown up from my Mamiya C3 are just as sharp as the bronica ETRS lens MC that I use. People under estimate the TLR but its a great and often budget way of getting into 6x6 medium format.
Ahhh, que bello. Mañana tendré en mis manos la C330. Gracias por el review, mate.
I watched this because i own a mamiya c330. one of my favorites.. love it so much. :)
I much prefer the mamiyas photos although the size is the compromise I think it’s worth it for the quality. And that viewfinder is just beautiful!
Keep it up I love your channel!
I have had that same Rolleiflex model for decades and shot hundreds of rolls of film through it. You are incorrect though about not being able to do double-exposures in the camera. There is a button you hold down while you rotate the film advance lever. That prevents the film from advancing and just cocks the shutter. I have a couple of other TLRs, but not a Mamiya. I've been wanting to get a C330, so I really like your comparison. TY
Hastings for the win. Nice breakdown of the cameras.
I go for the Mamaiya c330.. like more the pictures, and more focus accuracy. It's a great camera
Great camera, built like a tank and have had no issues with the mechanics.
Great video again Eduardo, thanks!
I think of the Mamiya as a tripod and shutter release cable studio portrait camera. I have a Yashicaflex, which tried to be the poor man's Rollieflex with fairly good results, for the more portable TLR. One look through the viewfinder sold me on the Mamiya.
I should add to my comments that Rolleiflex models also have a parallax correction feature like the Mamiya. To see it work place the camera on a table, hold it steady, focus and watch the two bars top and bottom move...Always keep in mind that although these features correct the framing images seen in a finder images photographed are not the same. The difference is of no importance most of the time but can be noticeable under certain conditions where an unwanted sign in the back can show up in the photo but was hidden by the subject as seen in the finder, With open frame finders allow extra space on top with subjects closer than 10 feet.
Also, something to consider on the Vb, is the focus screen just pops out, no tools required.
at 6:56 you missed the Reflex part of the Rolleiflex; that is, you push the front panel half way and it "flaps" out a mirror, which you can view in a small window (facing the shooting direction), and this works just like you were describing with the C330, viewer with a black surround.
Una clase magistral. Y las dudas volaron. ¡Gracias!
Keep in mind many of the problems you have with focusing the Rolleiflex were solved in later models. Focusing screens are easily changed out on the later E3 and F models. Anyway, I've used both but went with the Rollei. It quicker to use, lighter, and in my experience more reliable. I went through 3 C330 that all had issues either with winding or light leaks. Lenses also seemed more susceptible to fungus. Just my experiences with both.
I ended up keeping the Rollei because of the size and portability.
I can tell the Mamiya is the better option for you. You can tell by the way you compose and focus in the pictures you have posted. I like your review and you highlighted some great points I have not seen in other videos. By the way the Rolleiflex 3.5F is even smaller and better for trave and you only miss one stop.
Talking of focusing screen. It is not a big deal to exchange them. It´s actually quite easy.
You pay about 100 to 150 Euros for a new fresnel screen. That is affordable if you intend to work with this camera for real.
One thing I like about the Rolleiflex is the fact that it is one of the few waist level cameras that have a light meter inside. That is a big plus.
I am using a 2.8GX which has a bright screen and as you said if you travel you truly appreciate the cameras weight and dimensions. I love Mamiya, lens quality is great - no doubt. But if I need to use a camera that uses interchangeable lenses I would probably settle for the PRO TL or RZ. Which I use too. Both are available for relatively little money.
Anyway, great content and video. Whached it to the end.
they are both great / different options / i had the Rolleiflex 2.8F and sold it / the view finder is hard to use, hard to focus and takes too much work for me too..... Mamiya shines
Whats with that upside down picture on the background?